A landlord has been hit with a hefty £20,000 fine after being found to be ‘putting tenants health and wellbeing at risk,’ with a series of maintenance mishaps.
Enforcement officers from South Ribble council attended the two properties, both owned and managed by landlord Leyland Estates Ltd, and found a number of hazards which could pose a threat to the existing tenants. These included poor provision of heating, inadequate and dangerous electrical supply, inadequate cooking facilities and no fire alarms or mean to escape in an emergency.
The council issued notices for Leyland Estates Ltd to remedy these issues, however with no action taken, prohibition notices were eventually served – preventing anyone from living in the properties until they were bought up to the required standard.
Despite the orders being in place, Leyland Estates Ltd still failed to remedy the issues, and even re-let one of the prohibited properties to a new tenant.
Leyland Estates Ltd was prosecuted for non-compliance of prohibition orders, and non-compliance to requests for information in respect of the properties at Preston Magistrates Court. The company was found guilty in absence, and ordered to pay £5,000 for each offence, totally £20,000.
Our environmental health officers will always work with landlords to offer support where necessary to help them improve the standards of housing within our borough. We have a duty to ensure that the properties are safe for the residents living there, and we take that duty extremely seriously. When landlords ignore our requests and put their tenant’s health and wellbeing at risk, we will always take action. We welcome the significant fines and hope they will serve as a warning to others.
Cllr Jacqui Mort, South Ribble’s cabinet member with responsibility for public health, safety and wellbeing
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